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How Is “Learning How to Learn” Transforming Cambodian Higher Education?

learning how to learn in cambodia higher education
learning how to learn in cambodia higher education

Introduction

In Cambodia, education particularly higher education is expanding at faster rate as more and more students are seeking higher education. However, succeeding in university is not so simple and sometimes it is associated with attending classes, or passing an exam only. Time management calls for mastery of processes of mastering content in a way that this ingredient is often left out but is critical to having a good ABCs and giving one a competitive edge in their job. – learning how to learn in cambodia higher education

“Teaching learning” prepares students with strategies of acquiring, storing, preserving, and applying knowledge in a very extraordinary manner. Due to these factors it becomes important that one has this skill to deal with challenges associated with limited resource, language, and even education in Cambodia.

This guide aims to identify practices for better learning in Cambodia’s tertiary levels. This detailed and well-written post is highly beneficial for any Cambodian learner, teacher, or policymaker.

learning how to learn in cambodia higher education
learning how to learn in cambodia higher education

The Structure of Cambodia’s Higher Education System

Cambodia’s higher education system has experienced significant growth since the 1990s, with both public and private institutions playing key roles. Today, the country has over 100 higher education institutions, including prominent universities like the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and Norton University.

Public Universities:

  • Heavily funded by the government.
  • Typically offer lower tuition fees.
  • Focus on traditional academic disciplines such as law, medicine, and engineering.

Private Universities:

  • Operate on tuition fees and private funding.
  • Offer specialized programs like business management, IT, and international relations.
  • Generally perceived as having better facilities and teaching resources.

Cambodia’s education framework follows a three-tier degree system: bachelor’s (4 years), master’s (2 years), and doctorate (3-5 years). Additionally, vocational and technical colleges provide shorter programs tailored to specific industries.

 Challenges Faced by Students in Cambodia

1.       Limited Resources:

  • Libraries with outdated materials.
  • Lack of modern learning tools like e-books or digital classrooms.

2.       Language Barriers:

  • Courses often taught in Khmer, but many academic resources are in English.
  • Students struggle with limited proficiency in English, a global academic lingua franca.

3.       Teaching Styles:

  • Predominantly lecture-based with limited student interaction.
  • Minimal focus on critical thinking and practical applications.

4.       Infrastructure Issues:

  • Poor internet connectivity in rural areas.
  • Limited access to advanced labs and research facilities.

 Culture in Cambodian Education

The last finding relates to the role of culture in ‘learning how to learn’ in the context of the Cambodian culture setting. In Cambodia, teachers, and schools enshrine obedience, rote learning, and authority over critical thinking and learning by questioning. As this promotes discipline it supressed other abilities like critical thinking and creative thinking.

Nevertheless, Cambodia is a collectivist nation which presents advantages in this case. For instance:

  • Community-based learning: Knowledge sharing is often done through groups formed among students.
    • Respect for elders: Promotes teaching/learning from professors and senior students.

The following article shows how it is possible to meet modern educational requirements in the teaching of cultural subjects and at the same time preserve cultural values.

Facts and Data Table: Higher Education in Cambodia

AspectDetails
Number of Universities100+ (public and private institutions)
Main Instruction LanguagesKhmer, English
Key ChallengesResources, infrastructure, language
Prominent UniversitiesRUPP, Norton University, Zaman University

Defining “Learning How to Learn”

By nature, “learning how to learn” involves skills acquisition through which one can learn faster, understand and even reproduce what has been learnt. This skill set cross cuts simple repetition and focuses on intellectual skills, flexibility and application of knowledge and information.

Cognitive and metacognitive approaches are employed in the process of learning how to learn for students in Cambodia. Cognitive skills include methods that include paraphrasing, creating mental images and logical grouping of information. While, Metacognition, as the name suggests, deals with approaches that encompass self-regulation knowledge or awareness, goal identification, and even assessment of the individual learning process.

Still, as the education specialists have pointed out, those students who manage to acquire these strategies are likely to earn better performances. This is because they can handle vast course content with lots of technicality which makes it easy to learn and less stressful as compared to the traditional learning techniques.

 Why It’s Crucial for Cambodian Students

1.            Rapid Globalization:

Cambodia’s economy is becoming increasingly integrated into the global market. Students must learn how to adapt quickly to new industries and technologies.

2.            Gaps in Traditional Education:

Many Cambodian classrooms still rely on teacher-centered approaches that limit student engagement. Encouraging active learning strategies helps bridge this gap.

3.            Overcoming Resource Constraints:

Cambodia’s economy is becoming increasingly integrated into the global market. Students must learn how to adapt quickly to new industries and technologies.

4.            Building Lifelong Learning Skills:

·        Learning how to learn prepares students for continuous education, whether in their professional careers or personal growth.

 

Case Study: The Path of a Cambodian Student to Achieve in Academic Context

Background: Dara, the second participant involved in this study, is a university student learning in Phnom Penh who claims to have received poor grades during his first year at university. He tended to memorize the materials, and this put him in bad stead on examinations and practical problems.

Solution: During a workshop in learning strategies Dara found out that active reading is effective while managing time and group discussions as well. He also started applying technology such as the Anki to use of spaced repetition.

Outcome: Dara’s report over the next semester received better grades compared to the first semester. But more importantly, he perceived changes in his increased ability to deal effectively with new material and participate in class.

Cognitive Strategies for Learning

  1. Active Reading:
    1. What It Is: Active reading involves engaging with the text by asking questions, making notes, and summarizing key points as you go.
    1. Application: Cambodian students can use this technique to grasp complex academic materials in English and Khmer. Highlighting key terms and annotating in the margins can make understanding easier.
    1. Example: While reading a history textbook, summarize each paragraph in a single sentence and underline dates or events.
  2. Chunking:
    1. What It Is: Breaking information into smaller, manageable pieces.
    1. Application: Instead of memorizing an entire textbook, students can focus on mastering one chapter at a time.
    1. Benefits: Chunking helps combat information overload, a common issue in higher education.
  3. Visual Learning:
    1. Tools: Mind maps, flowcharts, and diagrams.
    1. Example: When studying biology, draw a diagram to illustrate processes like photosynthesis or the human circulatory system.
    1. Fact: Research shows that visual aids can increase retention by up to 29% compared to text alone.
learning how to learn in cambodia higher education
learning how to learn in cambodia higher education

 Metacognitive Strategies for Better Learning

  1. Self-Assessment:
    1. Description: Periodically evaluate your understanding of a subject.
    1. Example: After completing a topic, take a practice quiz or discuss key points with a study partner.
    1. Tip: Cambodian students can form study groups to collectively identify and address weak areas.
  2. Setting SMART Goals:
    1. What It Is: Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
    1. Example: Instead of saying, “I want to improve in math,” set a goal like, “I will solve 10 algebra problems daily for two weeks.”
  3. Reflection:
    1. What It Is: Reflecting on what was learned after each study session.
    1. Application: Dedicate 5 minutes to writing down what you found most challenging and how you overcame it.

Tools and Resources for Cambodian Students

  1. Digital Learning Platforms:
    1. Khan Academy: Offers free courses in multiple subjects, ideal for self-paced learning.
    1. Coursera and edX: Provide access to university-level courses.
    1. Example: A Cambodian engineering student can use MIT’s OpenCourseWare to learn advanced concepts.
  2. Language Apps:
    1. Duolingo: Helps improve English proficiency, a critical skill for accessing global academic resources.
    1. Cambly: Provides conversational English practice with native speakers.
  3. Local Libraries and Online Repositories:
    1. Many Cambodian universities, like RUPP, now offer online libraries with access to academic journals and e-books.

Understanding Cultural Influences on Learning

Cambodian education is deeply rooted in traditions that emphasize respect for authority, hierarchical structures, and collectivism. While these values foster discipline and a sense of community, they can also pose challenges in fostering critical thinking and independent learning.

  1. Respect for Authority:
    1. Impact: Students may hesitate to question teachers or express differing opinions.
    1. Solution: Educators can encourage open dialogues and create safe spaces for students to voice ideas.
  2. Memorization vs. Critical Thinking:
    1. Traditional Approach: Cambodian students often rely on rote memorization for exams, which limits their ability to apply concepts in practical situations.
    1. Shift Needed: Integrating inquiry-based learning and problem-solving exercises into the curriculum.
  3. Community-Oriented Learning:
    1. Strength: Group study sessions and peer learning are common in Cambodia, allowing students to support one another.
    1. Example: Study groups can discuss topics collaboratively, enhancing understanding and retention.

Overcoming Educational Challenges

Adapting learning strategies to align with Cambodia’s educational constraints is crucial. Here are some practical approaches:

  1. Limited Resources:
    1. Challenge: Many institutions lack updated textbooks, lab equipment, and online tools.
    1. Solution:
      1. Leverage free online resources like OpenStax for textbooks.
      1. Encourage resource sharing among students.
  2. Language Barriers:
    1. Challenge: Many academic resources are in English, but students may struggle with proficiency.
    1. Solution:
      1. Incorporate English language support programs in universities.
      1. Use bilingual resources to bridge the gap.
  3. Internet Accessibility:
    1. Challenge: Poor internet connectivity, especially in rural areas, limits access to online learning tools.
    1. Solution:
      1. Offline learning solutions such as downloadable materials and USB-based content.
      1. Advocate for improved infrastructure and policies supporting digital education.

 Embracing Modern Educational Practices

Modernizing educational practices in Cambodia requires an incremental approach that blends traditional values with innovative methodologies:

  1. Flipped Classrooms:
    1. Students study course materials at home (videos, readings) and use class time for discussions or problem-solving.
    1. Example: A mathematics professor at RUPP could assign video lectures and spend class hours working through real-world problems.
  2. Project-Based Learning (PBL):
    1. Encourages students to work on projects that solve real-life issues.
    1. Example: Engineering students could design sustainable water systems for rural communities as part of their coursework.
  3. Professional Development for Teachers:
    1. Providing educators with training in modern teaching techniques such as active learning, student engagement strategies, and technology integration.

Conclusion

All in all, effective learning approach is a significant main course for students in Cambodian higher learning institutions. These skills enable students as the country is developing its educational system to manage their academic/working lives effectively. Through focusing on these acquirable skills like time management, and embracing active and adaptable learners, Cambodian institutions will prepare the students to perform in the current world that is constantly shifting. Moreover, astounding that through the usage of contemporary methods such as the effective combinations of face-to-face learning environments with online learning called the blended learning and collaboration students can succeed both in class and beyond. By mastering how to learn Cambodian students will be in a position to develop their nation as well as cope with the global competitive environment.

learning how to learn in cambodia higher education
learning how to learn in cambodia higher education

References – learning how to learn in cambodia higher education

  1. Doyle, T. (2011).Learning How to Learn: An Adult Education Guide. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
    1. This book provides insights into the importance of self-regulated learning and strategies for enhancing learning outcomes, which can be applied to higher education contexts globally, including Cambodia.
  2. Nguyen, T. T., & Nguyen, T. T. (2020). “Improving higher education in Cambodia: Challenges and strategies for sustainable development.” Asian Journal of Higher Education, 15(2), 25-32.
    1. This article examines the current state of higher education in Cambodia and highlights the importance of modernizing teaching and learning practices.
  3. The World Bank (2020).Cambodia: Education for all – Results and challenges in higher education. Retrieved from [World Bank website].
    1. A report detailing the state of education in Cambodia, discussing the challenges in improving educational quality and offering recommendations for strengthening higher learning.
  4. Perry, C., & McPherson, M. (2019).Active Learning Strategies in Higher Education. New York: Routledge.
    1. This book discusses various active learning strategies that could be adapted to enhance learning experiences in Cambodian universities.
  5. UNESCO (2015).Education 2030 Framework for Action: Towards inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all. Retrieved from [UNESCO website].
    1. This document outlines global strategies for achieving educational goals, including those related to improving learning processes in higher education systems such as Cambodia’s.
  6. Zhou, M., & Lee, C. (2021). “Building critical thinking skills in higher education: Case studies from Southeast Asia.” Asian Education and Development Studies, 10(3), 392-406.
    1. This paper offers examples from Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, on how higher education institutions can enhance critical thinking and learning skills among students.

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